Mathematics (B.A.)

The courses offered by the Department of Mathematics serve several purposes; they supply the mathematical preparation necessary for students specializing in the physical, life or social sciences, in business administration, in engineering, and in education; they provide a route by which students may achieve a level of competence to do research in any of several special mathematical areas; they allow students to prepare themselves for work as mathematicians and statisticians in industry and government; and they give an opportunity to all inquisitive students to learn something about modern mathematical ideas.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for this program are satisfied by the general requirements for undergraduate admission to the University. Undergraduates declaring a mathematics major are strongly encouraged to meet with a departmental advisor before doing so. After a student's acceptance as a major, a student should consult a Departmental advisor at least once a year to verify progress.

Option D: Computer Science

Mathematics and computer science are so closely related that a great many students who major in mathematics pursue careers or graduate study in computer science. A mathematics degree, being more than just welcome in the field, is highly regarded. For students who would like to complete a double major in mathematics and computer science or a major in mathematics with a minor in computer science, the Department offers a specially designed program. Under this option, students can take certain courses that satisfy both mathematics and computer science requirements simultaneously. Specifically, MAT 5100 can be used as a computer science elective and one of CSC 5860, CSC 5870, CSC 6500, CSC 6620, or CSC 6991 (depending on the topic) can be used as a mathematics elective.

This option is available only to students who complete a second major or a minor in computer science. Students should consult the Computer Science Department for their major and minor requirements.

Option E: Actuarial Science

Students embarking on a career as an actuary will be expected to pass certain exams administered by that profession. Option E provides the course work covered by the first few of these exams: Calculus, Linear Algebra, Probability and Statistics, Numerical Analysis, and Operations Research.

Combined Curriculum for Secondary Teaching (CCST)

Under the Combined Curriculum, it is possible to earn a bachelor’s degree in mathematics concurrent with a secondary teaching certificate. Students in CCST may satisfy the mathematics part of their degree requirements by any of the degree options specified below, though Option C is specifically designed and recommended for future teachers. It is recommended but not required that CCST students who do not choose Option C take MAT 2860, MAT 5000, and MAT 6140.

Emerging Scholars Program

The Emerging Scholars Program is a special honors program at the levels of MAT 1800, MAT 2010, and MAT 2020, that features collaborative learning through a challenging problem-solving workshop attached t the regular class. Each ESP calculus course (MAT 2010 and MAT 2020) carries four honors credits, though MAT 1800 does not offer honors credits. The program seeks dedicated, hard-working students who want to excel in mathematics. Students who place into the level below MAT 1800 are encouraged to enroll in MAT 1050 PREP as preparation for the Program. Contact the Department for further information.

‘AGRADE’ Program (Accelerated Graduate Enrollment)

The Department of Mathematics participates in the College ‘AGRADE’ (Accelerated Graduate Enrollment) Program, in which qualified students can earn a master’s degree and bachelor’s degree. For more details about the ‘AGRADE’ Program, contact one of the graduate mathematics advisors, or the Graduate Office of the College (313-577-2960).